- Joined
- Dec 10, 2009
- Messages
- 141
I had the good luck of stopping by my local shop (Empire Cigars in Raleigh) today just as a shipment of the new shop-exlcusive Pepin "El Picador" arrived via UPS. Hal was nice enough to let me try one of the first from this batch (there are 250 boxes at the store).
The look is rustic but this little smoke has solid construction. Prelight draw was smooth and had notes of cedar.
Upon lighting, a nice blast (not overpowering) of spice hit the tip of my tongue. Other prominent flavors to open up immediately were vanilla and sweet cream. The first third continued at about the same full-flavored pace. The burn was amazingly straight for a small cigar. No relighting or touch-ups needed.
After the first third, the strength started picking up. I didn't think it would be possible, but more flavor started kicking in - mild cherry and a beautifully balancing melon sweetness. None of the flavors overpowered the other.
One of the things that struck me was the absence of the typical Pepin tartness. That's not really a complaint - just a noticeable difference for a Pepin blend. But it still had plenty of Pepin's spice and kick.
The second half never let up on flavor or strength - a beautiful smoke throughout.
You guys might want to try to get your hands on some of these, because I'm guessing they won't last very long. I know I'm picking up a box later today. This is probably the best cigar I've smoked this year - a totally unexpected and exciting stogie.
I'm giving it a 100.
The look is rustic but this little smoke has solid construction. Prelight draw was smooth and had notes of cedar.
Upon lighting, a nice blast (not overpowering) of spice hit the tip of my tongue. Other prominent flavors to open up immediately were vanilla and sweet cream. The first third continued at about the same full-flavored pace. The burn was amazingly straight for a small cigar. No relighting or touch-ups needed.
After the first third, the strength started picking up. I didn't think it would be possible, but more flavor started kicking in - mild cherry and a beautifully balancing melon sweetness. None of the flavors overpowered the other.
One of the things that struck me was the absence of the typical Pepin tartness. That's not really a complaint - just a noticeable difference for a Pepin blend. But it still had plenty of Pepin's spice and kick.
The second half never let up on flavor or strength - a beautiful smoke throughout.
You guys might want to try to get your hands on some of these, because I'm guessing they won't last very long. I know I'm picking up a box later today. This is probably the best cigar I've smoked this year - a totally unexpected and exciting stogie.
I'm giving it a 100.
